DigicoolThings Forum

I've used EasyEDA for years to develop my retro boards, but I'm not a fan of the new pro version - the library system is a mess. So I've decided to bite the bullet and learn to use KiCad properly. I downloaded the MECB 22V10 template from GitHub, but when I use it, KiCad complains that the Din41612 and ZIF friendly socket footprints are missing because the "MyCustomFootprintLibrary" isn't included. I could recreate the template boards from scratch, but figured it would be easier, and less error prone, to use your template. Was this library omitted in error, or am I looking in the wrong place?

dwhite wrote: Tue Sep 08, 2026 3:35 am I've used EasyEDA for years to develop my retro boards, but I'm not a fan of the new pro version - the library system is a mess. So I've decided to bite the bullet and learn to use KiCad properly.

Welcome! Yes, I used EasyEDA a few years ago for several projects, and before that several other free PCB design tools over the years. Always eventually coming up against a limitation, and then being forced to learn a new tool.

I few years back I decided KiCAD had reached a point where I was confident it was a proven open source PCB design solution for the future, and I made the jump, and have never regretted it.

dwhite wrote: Tue Sep 08, 2026 3:35 am I downloaded the MECB 22V10 template from GitHub, but when I use it, KiCad complains that the Din41612 and ZIF friendly socket footprints are missing because the "MyCustomFootprintLibrary" isn't included. I could recreate the template boards from scratch, but figured it would be easier, and less error prone, to use your template. Was this library omitted in error, or am I looking in the wrong place?

That will definately be my error! Thanks for reporting this oversight.

I've just updated the first template (MECB_Template_16V8) and committed to Github.

I'll go and update MECB_Template_22V10 now, and also commit shortly.

Perhaps you can then report back if this has solved the issue (the footprints are now in a MECB project footprint library, which is committed with the project).

EDIT: MECB_Template_22V10 has now also been updated and committed to the MECB Github.

Thanks! That fixed it. I'm going to spend a couple of days playing with KiCad then send off a test board. I'm very comfortable with EasyEDA, but I want to make sure I can create a single board through production before I go wild with designs - and there'll be a bunch.

dwhite wrote: Wed Sep 09, 2026 1:54 am Thanks! That fixed it. I'm going to spend a couple of days playing with KiCad then send off a test board. I'm very comfortable with EasyEDA, but I want to make sure I can create a single board through production before I go wild with designs - and there'll be a bunch.

Awesome! Thanks for the update. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.